Update as of April 15: The dachshund rescued Saturday from the St. Johns River and turned over to Lake County Animal Services has been reunited with his owner. The family says Buddy has been boating for years and usually sleeps downstairs in the cabin. He had been missing for about 20 minutes before the family realized he had gone overboard, and began searching for him. The owner saw Buddy’s photo on TV and social media and picked him up at the shelter this morning. The family has declined to speak with the media.

ASTOR – Lake County Animal Services is seeking help in locating the owner of a dog who was found afloat and saved by good Samaritans on the St. Johns River over the weekend.

A couple boating on the river spotted the dog’s nose protruding from the water and scooped him up near channel marker 28, close to the Blackwater Inn Restaurant. The dog was then picked up by Officer Gwen Carbino, who brought him back to the Lake County animal shelter.

“This little guy is in great shape and I am sure there is a frantic owner out there somewhere in North Lake County or Volusia County who must be looking for him,” said Brian Sheahan, director of Lake County’s Community Safety & Compliance Department.

The dog is a purebred dachshund, intact male. Anyone with information is asked to call the shelter at 352-343-9688.

To find out more about Lake County Animal Services, or to donate funds to help with operations at the shelter, log on to www.lakecountyfl.gov/adopt, visit the shelter at 28123 County Road 561, Tavares, or call 352-343-9688.